Foods to Eat With High Blood Pressure & Diabetes

Overview

High blood pressure increases your risk for heart attack, stroke and cardiovascular disease. Blood pressure management is critical if you have diabetes since it also increases your risk for diabetes complications. In addition to maintaining a healthy weight and limiting alcohol intake, a healthy diet can improve your blood pressure levels and your overall health, according to the American Heart Association. For best results, seek specified guidance from a qualified health care professional.

Lean Protein-Rich Foods

While high-fat protein sources, such as red meat, whole milk and poultry skin can exacerbate blood pressure levels, lean sources can enhance blood sugar balance, fullness between meals and heart health. Choose chicken or turkey breasts over dark meat poultry and remove visible fat and skin to reduce fat and calorie intake. The DASH (Dietary Approach to Stop Hypertension) encourages two to three servings of dairy products and a maximum of six servings of lean meat, poultry or fish for people consuming a 2,000 calorie diet. Choose low-fat cooking methods, such as steaming, baking and grilling in light amounts of olive or canola oil most often.

Read These

August McLaughlin is a certified nutritionist and health writer with more than nine years of professional experience. Her work has been featured in various magazines such as "Healthy Aging," "CitySmart," "IAmThatGirl" and "ULM." She holds specializations in eating disorders, healthy weight management and sports nutrition. She is currently completing her second cookbook and Weight Limit—a series of body image/nutrition-related PSAs.